13 Sports
“Champions keep playing until they get it right.” -Billie Jean King
Nazem Kadri
Canadian professional ice-hockey player Nazeem Kadri was born 6th October, 1990. Born in London, Ontario, Kadri was the only son amongst his 5 siblings. His grandparents were from Lebanon and they had moved to Ontario when his father was four years old.
Kadri was introduced to ice skating at the early age of two and soon made it to his first hockey team at the age of four. He was actively involved in multiple sports during his schooling years and had the potential of being selected in the NHL draft 1.
Kadri began his professional ice hockey career in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) with the Kitchener Rangers and later on moved to the London Knights. While playing for the Rangers Kadri contributed to their winning of the OHL championship. In 2009, he was drafted by the Toronto Maple leafs and was involved with them for a decade until he was traded to the Colorado Avalanche in 2019. Kadri had an eventful career with the Toronto Maple Leafs and his journey with the team included multiple call ups from the AHL’s Toronto Marlies to the NHL. Over the years, he steadily improved his performance and eventually became a regular on the Maple Leafs’ roster and set his career-highs in goals and points during the 2013-2014 season. Despite facing some disciplinary actions, Kadri remained an integral part of the Maple Leafs and was known for his penalty-drawing abilities and offensive contributions. In April 2016, he signed a significant six-year long contract for $27 million. Throughout his career Kadri set milestones such as scoring his 100th career NHL goal and scoring several hat-tricks. His appearance with the team included multiple playoff appearances, but the Maple Leafs were eliminated in the first round on multiple occasions during his tenure 1. Kadri’s journey with the Canadian national team has been rather limited but he had the opportunity of representing Canada at the 2010 World Junior Championships, where the team secured a silver medal following a 6-5 defeat to the United States in the final 1.
In June 2022, Kadri made history as the first Muslim player to have won the Stanley Cup with Colorado Avalanche 2.
Kadri might not hold the distinction of being the NHL’s first Muslim or Arab player, but he unquestionably stands out as the most prominent Muslim hockey player globally. Moreover, he openly embraces and proudly identifies with his cultural and religious background. Kadri made history as the Maple Leafs’ first-ever Muslim draft pick and held the distinction of being the highest-drafted Muslim player in NHL history until 2012, when he was surpassed by Nail Yakupov, the first overall pick.
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Rami Sebei
Rami Sebei, born on July 12, 1984, in Laval, Quebec, Canada, is a Muslim Canadian-born Superstar of Syrian descent. He is better known to the WWE universe as Sami Zayn.
Raised in a family of Syrian immigrants, Zayn’s roots are a testament to the cultural richness that he brings to the world of professional wrestling. His Syrian heritage and the journey of his parents to Canada have profoundly influenced his character, making him a significant figure not only in the wrestling world but also in the broader context of diverse representation in sports and entertainment. 1 This is the story of a man whose journey transcends borders, incorporating an eclectic blend of wrestling styles and captivating audiences worldwide.
Upon his arrival in WWE, Sami Zayn brought a wealth of experience matched by few. Having competed in an astonishing 29 countries, his global experience is a testament to his dedication and commitment to the sport. 1
In the ring, Sami Zayn’s style is a dazzling fusion of high-flying aerial moves and hard-hitting strikes. His versatility makes him a formidable opponent, able to take on any Superstar on the roster. This ability has led to unforgettable matches against some of WWE’s biggest names, including Kevin Owens, John Cena, Seth Rollins, and many more. Throughout his career, Sami Zayn has held prestigious titles, such as the NXT Championship and the Intercontinental Championship, proving his worth as one of WWE’s top competitors. 1
In 2022, Zayn’s career took an intriguing turn when he fought Johnny Knoxville at WrestleMania and aligned himself with The Bloodline. Becoming an “Honorary Uce,” he created tensions within the group, ultimately being expelled after refusing to strike Owens with a steel chair. He later faced Roman Reigns for the Undisputed WWE Universal Title in his hometown of Montreal but narrowly missed capturing the championship. 1
One of the most memorable chapters in Sami Zayn’s career unfolded at WrestleMania 39. Reuniting with his former best friend, Kevin Owens, the duo heroically defeated The Usos, bringing an end to the epic reign of the tag team in a match dubbed “The Greatest Tag Team Title Match in History” on The Grandest Stage of Them All. 1
The 2023 WWE Draft marked another significant moment in Sami Zayn’s career when he and Kevin Owens were both drafted to Raw. This shift sets the stage for new opportunities, rivalries, and exciting storylines in the future, underscoring Zayn’s enduring relevance in the world of professional wrestling. 1
In his personal life, Sami Zayn is known for his commitment to philanthropy and humanitarian causes. Beyond the realm of sports and entertainment, Zayn has utilized his platform to raise awareness and funds for various charitable initiatives. He has been involved in campaigns to support Syrian refugees, drawing from his own family’s immigrant background. 1
Key Takeaways
Zayn’s dedication to humanitarian work serves as an inspiration to his fans, highlighting the importance of using one’s influence for positive change. Through his efforts, he has made a significant impact on society, demonstrating that a professional wrestler can be a role model not just in the ring but also in making a difference in the world.
Find out more:
1. Sami Zayn – Wikipedia
How to find them:
Sami Zayn | Rami Sebei (@samizayn.wwe) • Instagram photos and videos
